Moveable object accountability system

ABSTRACT

This discloses an accountability system for monitoring the status of a certain condition of a moveable object having an electronic identification device with a transmittable unique identification code. A verification station with an electronic signal transmission and reception device remotely initiates communication with the electronic identification device on the moveable object and receives the unique identification code. A database at the verification station retrieves information related to said unique identification code, and a camera captures a digital image of said moveable object, while displaying the image and querying a user to input verification data to an input device. A data processing sub-system at the verification station verifies the user&#39;s input and compiles a data record of the unique identification code, the digital image, and data input from the user into a data record and stores the compiled record in memory for later communication with a remote storage device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This continuation-in-part application claims the benefit of U.S.Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 10/898,193, filed on Jul.26, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The general field of the invention relates to periodic and real-timelocation history tracking with periodic verification of the existence ornon-existence of certain predetermined conditions of moveable objectswithin a time period.

This invention further relates to an accountability system formonitoring the status of a certain condition of a moveable object havingan electronic identification device with a transmittable uniqueidentification code. A verification station with an electronic signaltransmission and reception device remotely initiates communication withthe electronic identification device on the moveable object and receivesthe unique identification code. A database at the verification stationretrieves information related to said unique identification code, and acamera captures a digital image of said moveable object while displayingthe image and querying a user to input verification data to an inputdevice. A data processing system at the verification station verifiesthe user's input and compiles a data record of the unique identificationcode, the digital image, and data input from the user into a data recordand stores the compiled record in memory for later communication with aremote storage device.

2. Description of the Related Art

The requirement for an accountability system for verifying andmonitoring a predetermined condition on a moveable object in addition tocollecting data of the location of that moveable object in a low costand technically simple manner has long existed. One example of moveableobjects could be commercial, non-commercial or fleet owned vehicleshaving a condition such as a displayable sign or advertisement. Thisinvention allows an entity, such as an advertising client, to accountfor any such displayable sign or advertisement on any particularmoveable object over a period of time, and additionally obtain data ongeneral or specific movement of that particular moveable object over aperiod of time or with real-time data acquisition.

The objective of this invention relates to the use of an accountabilitysystem for verifying a condition on a moveable object through the use ofa hardware sub-system on the moveable object containing a uniqueidentification code. A verification sub-system remote from the moveableobject identifies the presence of the moveable object by the uniqueidentification code and collects information regarding the condition ofthe moveable object for transmission to a central data processing systemremote from either previous sub-system. The transmitted verificationdata is then processed at the central data processing system whichcontrols communication of the processed information and otherinformation transmitted to clients, vendors, suppliers, retailers, pointof sale devices, and owner/operators of the moveable objects subject tothe accountability system's verification process.

Although other systems use location logging or tracking devices, noother system meets the objectives of verifying a condition on a moveableobject in addition to logging or transmitting date, time and locationcoordinate data.

Thus a moveable object accountability system solving the aforementionedproblems is desired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A specific sub-system of a first embodiment of this invention comprisesa moveable object accountability system that monitors the status of atleast one condition of a moveable object. The condition is one of avisible indication of distinguishing characteristics of the moveableobject, a visible licensing indicator of the moveable object, and agraphical representation on the moveable object.

The moveable accountability system comprises an electronicidentification device mounted on the moveable object, wherein theelectronic identification device has a unique identification code andelectronically transmits a signal containing information of the uniqueidentification code. An electronic signal transmission and receptiondevice initiates communication with the electronic identification deviceand receives the signal containing information of the uniqueidentification code from the electronic identification device mounted onthe moveable object. A local database has stored information related toat least one of the unique identification code, the moveable object andthe at least one condition of the moveable object. A camera captures afirst image of the moveable object, wherein the first image includes arepresentation of the at least one condition of the moveable object. Adisplay device displays information contained in the first image, anddisplays a query or information including or related to the uniqueidentification code. An input device allows the inputting of datarelated to the moveable object or inputting a response to the querydisplayed at the display device. A data processing sub-system coupled tothe electronic signal transmission and reception device, the localdatabase, the camera, the display device and the input device, the dataprocessing sub-system: 1) compares the signal containing information ofthe unique identification code with related information in the localdatabase; 2) displays, at the display device, graphical informationcontained in the first image and a query to validate information relatedto the moveable object and the unique identification code; and 3)compares input data received from the input device in response to thequery to data stored in the local database. The data processingsub-system compiles data received from the unique identification codereceived from the electronic signal transmission and reception device,the camera, and the input device into a data record, and a memorylocation within the local database stores the data record. Finally, acommunication link between the local database and a remote storagedevice transmits at least one stored data record to the remote storagedevice.

The electronic identification device in the above sub-system embodimentmay comprise a radio frequency identification device, and the system mayinclude an output device for outputting information related to themoveable object, wherein the output device may comprise a coupon printerdevice.

A method of collecting accountability data for a moveable object in thefirst embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of: determiningthe presence of an electronic identification device; querying theelectronic identification device to output a unique identification code;receiving the output unique identification code; comparing the receivedunique identification code with information related to the receivedunique identification code in a local database; capturing a digitalimage of a moveable object including a representation of at least onecondition, wherein the at least one condition comprises one of a visibleindication of distinguishing characteristics of the moveable object, avisible licensing indicator of the moveable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on the moveable object; displaying at a display devicethe representation of the at least one condition of the moveable objectfrom the step of capturing and a verification query based on the step ofcomparing; receiving input based on the step of displaying; comparingthe received input with related data stored in the local database;assembling a data record comprising information contained in the uniqueidentification code, the captured digital image of the moveable objectincluding a representation of at least one condition, and the receivedinput, based on the step of comparing; storing the assembled data recordin a local database; and transmitting the stored data record to a remotedatabase

A specific apparatus of the first embodiment of the invention comprisesan electronic signal transmission and reception device that initiatescommunication with a remote electronic identification device andreceives a signal containing information of a unique identification codefrom the remote electronic identification device mounted on a moveableobject. A local database stores information related to at least one ofthe unique identification code, the moveable object and information ofat least one condition of the moveable object. A camera captures a firstimage of the moveable object, wherein the first image includes arepresentation of the at least one condition of the moveable object, theat least one condition comprising one of a visible indication ofdistinguishing characteristics of the moveable object, a visiblelicensing indicator of the moveable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on the moveable object. A display device displaysinformation contained in the first image, and displays a query orinformation including or related to the unique identification code. Aninput device allows the input of data related to the moveable object ora response to the query displayed at the display device. A dataprocessor is coupled to the electronic signal transmission and receptiondevice, the local database, the camera, the display device and the inputdevice, and a memory within the local database stores a data recordcompiled by the data processor from information received from theelectronic signal transmission and reception device, the camera, and theinput device. Finally, a communication link between the local databaseand a remote storage device transmits at least one stored data record tothe remote storage device.

The remote electronic identification device of the above specificembodiment may comprise of a radio frequency identification device, andthe apparatus may further comprises an output device for outputtinginformation related to the unique identification code, wherein theoutput device comprises a coupon printer device for printing couponsrelated to the unique identification code.

A general system of the first embodiment of the moveable objectaccountability system monitors the status of at least one condition of amoveable object, wherein the at least one condition comprises one of avisible indication of distinguishing characteristics of the moveableobject, a visible licensing indicator of the moveable object, and agraphical representation on the moveable object. The moveableaccountability system comprises an electronic identification devicemounted on the moveable object, wherein the electronic identificationdevice has a unique identification code and the device is able toelectronically transmit a signal containing information of the uniqueidentification code. An electronic signal transmission and receptiondevice initiates communication with the electronic identification deviceand receives the signal containing information of the uniqueidentification code from the electronic identification device mounted onthe moveable object. A local database stores information related to atleast one of the unique identification code, the moveable object and theat least one condition of the moveable object. A camera captures a firstimage of the moveable object, wherein the first image includes arepresentation of the at least one condition of the moveable object. Adisplay device displays graphical information contained in the firstimage, and displays a query or information including or related to theunique identification code. An input device allows inputting of datarelated to the moveable object or responses to the query regardinginformation displayed at the display device. A data processingsub-system coupled to the electronic signal transmission and receptiondevice, the local database, the camera, the display device and the inputdevice, compares the signal containing information of the uniqueidentification code with related information in the local database,displays, at the display device, graphical information contained in thefirst image and a query to validate information related to the moveableobject and the unique identification code, and compares input datareceived from the input device in response to the query to data storedin the local database. The data processing sub-system compiles datareceived from the unique identification code received from theelectronic signal transmission and reception device, the camera, and theinput device into a data record, and a memory within the data processingsub-system stores the data record. A remote central processing datasystem having a central storage database is connected via acommunication link between the local database to transmit informationbetween the remote central data processing system and the local databasefor processing the at least one stored data record at the remote centralprocessing data system.

The electronic identification device of the above general embodimentcomprises a radio frequency identification device, and the systemfurther comprises an output device for outputting information related tothe unique identification code, wherein the output device may comprisesa coupon printer device for printing coupons related to the uniqueidentification code.

A first specific apparatus of a second embodiment of this inventioncomprises a data logging apparatus for use with a moveable objectaccountability system having a unique identification code specific onlyto the apparatus, a date and clock signal generator for outputtingcurrent date and clock data, a location identification device fordetermining the geographic location of the apparatus and outputtingcorresponding location data, a motion detection sensor for detectingwhen the apparatus is in motion, and a central processing unit for datalogging activated when the motion detection sensor detects motion. Thedata logging function assembles data from the unique identificationcode, the date and clock data, and the location data at predeterminedperiod time intervals and a memory stores the assembled data from thecentral processor. A transmitter and receiver that transmits andreceives data between the apparatus and a moveable object accountabilitysystem, wherein the transmitted data comprises at least one of theunique identification code, and the stored assembled data. Additionallyincluded is a power source for supplying power to the apparatus.

The location identification device of the above first specific apparatuscomprises one of a global positioning system (GPS) output device, acellular telephone location system device, and an accelerometer orinertial positioning device, and the unique identification code and thetransmitter and receiver comprises a radio frequency identificationdevice.

A first specific sub-system of a second embodiment of this inventioncomprises a data logging system for logging the position of a moveableobject, wherein the data logging system comprises a motion detectionsensor outputting a signal when motion is detected of the data. loggingsystem, a location identification signal generator determining thegeographic coordinates of the data logging system and outputtinggeographic coordinates as location data, a date and clock signalgenerator outputting current date and time data, and a uniqueidentification code specific to and stored in the data logging system. Adata processing sub-system is coupled to the outputs of the motiondetection sensor, the location identification sensor, the date and clocksignal generator, and the unique identification code, wherein the dataprocessing sub-system determines a motion detected signal from themotion detector sensor output, and thereby retrieves: 1) the uniqueidentification code of the data logging system; 2) the location datafrom the location identification signal generator output; and 3) thecurrent date and time data from the data and clock signal generator. Thedata processing central processor assembles the retrieved data into asingle data record, stores the data record into a next available memoryregister. A transmitter and receiver that transmits the contents of thememory register including the stored data record from the data loggingsystem to a remote storage device.

The location identification signal generator of the first specificsub-system above, comprises one of a global positioning system (GPS)output device, a cellular telephone location system device, and anaccelerometer or inertial positioning device.

A second specific apparatus of a second embodiment of this inventioncomprises an electronic signal transmission and reception device forinitiating communication with a remote electronic identification anddata logging device mounted on a moveable object. The apparatus receivesa signal containing information of a unique identification code, andreceives assembled and stored data comprising assembled information ofthe unique identification code, location coordinate data, andcorresponding date and time data from the remote electronicidentification and data logging device. A local database has storedinformation related to the unique identification code, the moveableobject and information of at least one condition of the moveable object.A camera captures a first image of the moveable object, wherein thefirst image includes representation of the at least one condition of themoveable object comprising one of a visible indication of distinguishingcharacteristics of the moveable object, a visible licensing indicator ofthe moveable object, and a graphical representation on the moveableobject. A display device displays graphical information contained in thefirst image, and displays a query or information including or related tothe unique identification code. An input device allows input of datarelated to the moveable object or responses to the query regardinginformation displayed at the display device. A data processor coupled tothe electronic signal transmission and reception device, the localdatabase, the camera, the display device and the input device, includesa memory that stores a data record compiled by the data processor frominformation received from the electronic signal transmission andreception device, the camera, and the input device. A communication linkbetween the local database and a remote storage device transmits atleast one stored data record to the remote storage device.

The remote electronic identification and data logging device of thesecond specific apparatus above comprises a radio frequencyidentification device, and further comprises an output device foroutputting information related to the unique identification code,wherein the output device comprises a coupon printer device for printingcoupons related to the unique identification code.

A second specific sub-system of a second embodiment of this inventioncomprises a moveable object accountability system for monitoring thestatus of at least one condition of a moveable object, wherein the atleast one condition comprises one of a visible indication ofdistinguishing characteristics of the moveable object, a visiblelicensing indicator of the moveable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on the moveable object. The moveable accountabilitysystem comprises of an electronic identification and data logging devicemounted on the moveable object, wherein the electronic identificationand data logging device has a unique identification code and stored datacomprising assembled information of the unique identification code,location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data. Theelectronic identification and data logging device has a transmitter thattransmits a signal containing information of the unique identificationcode and the stored data. An electronic signal transmission andreception device initiates communication with the electronicidentification and data logging device and receives the uniqueidentification code and the stored data from the electronicidentification and data logging device mounted on the moveable object. Alocal database stores information related to at least one of the uniqueidentification code, the moveable object and the at least one conditionof the moveable object. A camera captures a first image of the moveableobject, wherein the first image includes a representation of the atleast one condition of the moveable object. A display device displaysgraphical information contained in the first image, and displays a queryor information including or related to the unique identification code.An input device allows for inputting of data related to the moveableobject or responses to the query regarding information displayed at thedisplay device. A data processing sub-system coupled to the electronicsignal transmission and reception device, the local database, thecamera, the display device and the input device, wherein the dataprocessing sub-system compares the signal containing information of theunique identification code with related information in the localdatabase, displays, at the display device, graphical informationcontained in the first image and a query to validate information relatedto the moveable object and the unique identification code. The dataprocessing sub-system compiles information received from the electronicsignal transmission and reception device, from the camera, and from theinput device into a data record, and a memory within the local databaseof the data processing sub-system stores the data record. Acommunication link between the local database and a remote databasetransmits the information comprising the data record between the localdatabase and the remote database.

A first method of collecting data on the position of a moveable objecthaving a data logging device in the second embodiment of this invention,wherein the data logging device has a unique identifier address datum, alocation identification output device, and a date and clock signaloutput generator. The method comprising the steps of: a. determiningmovement of the data logging device; b. powering on the data loggingdevice from a data logging power standby mode if in the power standbymode based on the step of determining movement of the data loggingdevice; c. retrieving the unique identifier address datum, a positiondatum from the location identification device, and current date and timedata from the date and clock signal generator; d. storing date and timedata in a date and clock memory register; e. assembling the uniqueidentifier address datum, a position datum from the locationidentification device, and current date and time data from the date andclock signal generator into data record from the step of retrieving; f.storing the data record in a memory in the data logging device; g.determining when the data and clock signal output equals the sum of afirst specified period of time and the stored date and time data in thedata and clock memory register; h. determining movement of the datalogging device within a second specified period of time; 1. repeatingthe steps c. to g. when step h. determines movement within the secondspecified period of time; 2. repeating steps d. to g. when step h.determines no movement within the second specified period of time andwhen date/clock output is less than the sum of a third specified periodof time and the stored clock register data; 3. powering down the datalogging device to standby power when step h. determines no movementwithin the second specified period of time and when date/clock output isequal to or greater than the sum of a third specified period of time andthe stored clock register data.

The location identification output device identified in the first methodabove, comprises one of a global positioning system (GPS) output device,a cellular telephone location system device, and an accelerometer orinertial positioning device.

A second method of collecting accountability data for a moveable objectin the second embodiment of this invention comprising the steps of:determining the presence of an electronic identification and datalogging device; querying the electronic identification and data loggingdevice to output a unique identification code; receiving the outputunique identification code; comparing the received unique identificationcode with information related to the received unique identification codein a local database; querying, based on the step of comparing, theelectronic identification and data logging device to transmit storeddata comprising assembled information of the unique identification code,location coordinate data, and corresponding date and time data;receiving the stored data comprising assembled information of the uniqueidentification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding dateand time data from the electronic identification and data logging devicebased on the previous step of querying; capturing a digital image of amoveable object including a representation of at least one condition,wherein the at least one condition comprises one of a visible indicationof distinguishing characteristics of the moveable object, a visiblelicensing indicator of the moveable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on the moveable object; displaying at a display devicethe representation of at least one condition of the moveable object fromthe step of capturing and a verification query based on the step ofcomparing; receiving input based on the step of displaying; comparingthe received input with related data stored in the local database;assembling a data record comprising information contained in the uniqueidentification code, the received stored data comprising assembledinformation of the unique identification code, location coordinate data,and corresponding date and time data, the captured image of the moveableobject including a representation of at least one condition, and thereceived input, based on the step of comparing; storing the assembleddata record in a local database; and transmitting the stored data recordto a remote database.

A general system of the second and preferred embodiment of the moveableobject accountability system for monitoring the status of at least onecondition of a moveable object, wherein the at least one conditioncomprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristicsof the moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of the moveableobject, and a graphical representation on the moveable object, themoveable accountability system comprising: an electronic identificationand data logging device mounted on the moveable object, wherein theelectronic identification and data logging device has a uniqueidentification code and stored data comprising assembled information ofthe unique identification code, location coordinate data, andcorresponding date and time data, the electronic identification and datalogging device having a transmitter for transmitting a signal containinginformation of the unique identification code and the stored data; anelectronic signal transmission and reception device for initiatingcommunication with the electronic identification and data logging deviceand receiving the unique identification code and the stored data fromthe electronic identification and data logging device mounted on themoveable object; a local database having stored information related toat least one of the unique identification code, the moveable object andthe at least one condition of the moveable object; a camera capturing afirst image of the moveable object at a first observation time, whereinthe first image captures a graphical representation of the at least onecondition of the moveable object; a display device for displayinggraphical information contained in the first image, and displaying aquery or information including or related to the unique identificationcode; an input device for inputting data related to the moveable objector responses to the query regarding information displayed at the displaydevice; a data processing sub-system coupled to the electronic signaltransmission and reception device, the local database, the camera, thedisplay device and the input device, the data processing sub-systemcomparing the signal containing information of the unique identificationcode with related information in the local database, displaying, at thedisplay device, graphical information contained in the first image and aquery to validate information related to the moveable object and theunique identification code; means, within the data processing sub-systemfor compiling information received from the electronic signaltransmission and reception device, from the camera, and from the inputdevice into a data record; a memory within the data processingsub-system for storing the data record; a remote central processing datasystem having a central storage database; a communication link betweenthe local database and the remote central data processing system fortransmitting information between the remote central data processingsystem and the local database; and means for processing the at least onestored data record at the remote central processing data system.

An alternative general system of the second embodiment of the moveableobject accountability system monitors the status of at least onecondition of a moveable object, wherein the at least one conditioncomprises one of a visible indication of distinguishing characteristicsof the moveable object, a visible licensing indicator of the moveableobject, and a graphical representation on the moveable object, themoveable accountability system comprising: an electronic identificationand data transmission device mounted on the moveable object, wherein theelectronic identification and data transmission device has a transmitterfor transmitting a unique identification code, and for transmittingcorresponding data comprising assembled information of the uniqueidentification code, location coordinate data, and corresponding dateand time data to a remote central processing data system having acentral storage database; an electronic signal transmission andreception device for initiating communication with the electronicidentification and data transmission device and receiving the uniqueidentification code from the electronic identification and datatransmission device mounted on the moveable object; a local databasehaving stored information related to at least one of the uniqueidentification code, the moveable object and the at least one conditionof the moveable object; a camera capturing a first image of the moveableobject at a first observation time, wherein the first image captures agraphical representation of the at least one condition of the moveableobject; a display device for displaying graphical information containedin the first image, and displaying a query or information including orrelated to the unique identification code; an input device for inputtingdata related to the moveable object or responses to the query regardinginformation displayed at the display device; a data processingsub-system coupled to the electronic signal transmission and receptiondevice, the local database, the camera, the display device and the inputdevice, the data processing sub-system comparing the signal containinginformation of the unique identification code with related informationin the local database, displaying, at the display device, graphicalinformation contained in the first image and a query to validateinformation related to the moveable object and the unique identificationcode; means, within the data processing sub-system for compilinginformation received from the electronic signal transmission andreception device, from the camera, and from the input device into a datarecord; a memory location within the local database of the dataprocessing sub-system for storing the data record; a communication linkbetween the local database and the remote central data processing systemfor transmitting information between the remote central data processingsystem and the local database; and means for correlating the at leastone stored data record at the remote central processing data system tothe transmitted corresponding data comprising the assembled informationof the unique identification code, location coordinate data, andcorresponding date and time data stored at a previous time in the remotecentral data processing system; and means for processing the at leastone stored data record and the transmitted corresponding data.

The electronic identification and data logging device of the secondsub-system and the general system of the second embodiment, and theelectronic identification and data transmission device of thealternative general system of the second embodiment above, comprises: aunique identification code specific only to the apparatus; a date andclock signal generator for outputting current date and clock data; alocation identification device for determining the geographic locationof the apparatus and outputting corresponding location data, thelocation identification device comprises one of a global positioningsystem (GPS) output device, a cellular telephone location system device,and an accelerometer or inertial positioning device; a motion detectionsensor for detecting when the apparatus is in motion; a centralprocessor sub-system for data retrieval and transmission activated whenthe motion detection sensor detects motion, the data retrieval andtransmission function comprises the assembling of data from the uniqueidentification code, the date and clock data, and the location data atpredetermined period time intervals, and subsequent transmission of theassembled data to a remote location; a memory for storing assembled datafrom the central processor sub-system; and a transmitter and receiverfor transmitting and receiving data to and from the apparatus, the datacomprises at least one of the unique identification code and theassembled data. Additionally, the unique identification code and thetransmitter and receiver comprises a radio frequency identificationdevice.

The electronic identification and data logging device of the secondsub-system and the general system, and the electronic identification anddata transmission device of the alternative general system of the secondembodiment above, comprises a radio frequency identification device.

The second sub-system, the general system, and the alternative generalsystem of the second embodiment above, further comprises an outputdevice for outputting information related to the unique identificationcode, wherein the output device comprises a coupon printer device forprinting coupons related to the unique identification code.

Additional sub-systems in communication with the general systemsidentified in the first and second embodiments above, are identifiedbelow.

A printer service is connected via a communication link with the remotecentral data processing system for printing material including agraphical representation. The remote central data processing systemreceives information related to a unique identification code andtransmits a printer service order to the printer service based onprocessing the at least one stored data record at the remote centralprocessing data station or processing the received information relatedto a unique identification code.

A retail service location having the display device located thereon anda printer output device, both connected to the remote central dataprocessing system via a communication link. The remote central dataprocessing system receives information related to a uniqueidentification code and transmits information to the retail servicelocation regarding installation and payment for a graphicalrepresentation or an electronic identification device to be installed ona moveable object. The transmission of information to the retail servicelocation is based on processing the at least one stored data record atthe remote central processing data station, or processing the receivedinformation related to the unique identification code.

The remote central data processing system receives information relatedto a unique identification code and transmits information to the paymentissuing agent regarding the issuing of payment for services performedbased on processing the at least one stored data record at the remotecentral processing data station, or processing the received informationrelated to the unique identification code.

The remote central data processing system receives information relatedto a unique identification code associated with the electronicidentification device of the moveable object and transmits informationto an operator or owner of the moveable object based on processing theat least one stored data record at the remote central processing datastation or processing the received information related to the uniqueidentification code.

The remote central data processing system receives information relatedto a unique identification code and transmits information to a clientbased on processing the at least one stored data record at the remotecentral processing data station or processing the received informationrelated to the unique identification code. Additionally, the transmittedinformation may comprise data representing date and time geographiclocation map overlays of related to at least one specific uniqueidentification code.

The remote central data processing system transmits information to aretail sales location related to a solicitation of moveable objects foruse within said moveable object accountability system, wherein saidsolicitation comprises advertising information, or rebates or couponstoward the purchase of merchandise.

The remote central data processing system transmits information to andreceives information from a point of sale terminal in communication withthe remote central processor. The point of sale terminal receives fromthe remote central data processor information related to thesolicitation of owners or operators of moveable objects to enroll theirmoveable objects in the accountability system of the present invention,and transmits to that remote central data processor accountabilitysystem enrollment information of owners or operators of moveableobjects.

The accountability system for verifying a condition on a moveable objectof the present invention will become more readily apparent from aconsideration of the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following descriptionand appended claims, reference being made to the accompanying drawingsforming a part of the specification wherein like reference charactersdesignate corresponding parts in the several views.

FIG. 1 shows a pictorial diagram of the moveable object accountabilitysystem.

FIG. 2 shows an expanded pictorial diagram of the moveable objectaccountability system with additional system components and theircommunication paths.

FIG. 3 shows a pictorial diagram of the second embodiment of theinvention including a electronic identification device on a moveableobject including a data logging feature that records location, date andtime data in addition to the unique identification code.

FIG. 4 shows a flowchart diagram of a data logging function for anelectronic identification and data logging device described in a secondembodiment of the moveable object accountability system.

FIG. 5 shows a pictorial diagram of an alternative to the secondembodiment of the invention including an electronic identificationdevice on a moveable object including a real-time data transmissionfeature of assembled data including location, date and time data inaddition to the unique identification code.

FIG. 6 shows a pictorial diagram of an alternative embodiment of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The first embodiment of the invention generally deals with a moveableobject having an electronic identification device that communicates aunique identification code to a data collecting verification devicewhich collects additional information about the moveable object and acondition of the moveable object for transmission to a remote databaseand data processing system.

FIG. 1 shows a moveable object (1) that anticipates any object capableof being in a different location at different times. One object of theinvention is to independently verify a certain condition of or on themoveable object on a periodic basis. This condition, (illustrated inFIG. 1 by reference character “C”), could be one of many items relatedto the moveable object, such as a visible indication of certaindistinguishing characteristics of the moveable object, e.g., the make,model and color of a vehicle, a visible licensing indicator of themoveable object, e.g., a license plate or a registration tag, or agraphical representation on the moveable object, e.g., an advertisementor placard. For example, in the situation where an advertisement isplaced on the movable object under contract with the system of thepresent invention by an advertising client, it is necessary to providesome type of accountability to the advertising client to determine ifthe advertisement is still on the moveable object. The informationnecessary for verification of a certain condition may comprise differenttypes of data depending on the information requirement of the clientinterested in verifying the condition on the moveable object.

In the present invention, the moveable object (1) has an electronicidentification device (2) mounted on it. This electronic identificationdevice (2) has an associated unique identification code (illustrated inFIG. 1 by reference characters “ID”) that can be electronicallytransmitted in a signal to receiving devices that request theidentification code (ID). The unique identification code (ID) may be apermanent hardware MAC address or the like, and the electronicidentification device (2) may be a transmitting and receiving radiofrequency identification device (RFID).

In the preferred embodiment, a data verification station (3) can belocated at either a fixed location in a form of a kiosk or a walk-upATM-like machine, or may be a transportable mobile operating unit. Thedata verification station (3) has an electronic signal transmission andreception device (4) that can automatically determine the presence ofand initiate communication with the electronic identification device (2)on the moveable object (1) to request the transmission of the uniqueidentification code. The electronic identification device (2) receivesthe request and transmits the unique identification code (ID) forreception by the electronic signal transmission and reception device(4). The transmission path may be via a wireless RF signal withcorresponding antennas (as shown in FIG. 1), or may be via a connectedwired signal path.

A local database (5) has stored information related to the uniqueidentification code (ID), the moveable object (1) and at least onecondition (C) of the moveable object that has previously been receivedfrom a remote central processor (10). A data processor (6) compares thereceived unique identification code (ID) with the stored informationrelated to the unique identification code. The data processor issues aquery to a display device (6) that prompts an owner or operator of themoveable object (1) to input data at an input device (7) to verifyinformation regarding the unique identification code (ID), the moveableobject (1) or at least one condition (C) of the moveable object.

Once the data processor (6) verifies the input data as being correctlyassociated with the stored data in the local database (5), a camera (8)captures a digital image of the moveable object (1) such that thedigital image includes a representation of at least one previouslymentioned condition (C) of the moveable object (1). Under the dataprocessor's (6) control, the digital image is then sent to and displayedat the display device (6) along with a query or information including orrelated to the unique identification code (ID). The owner or operator ofthe moveable object (1) inputs the requested data and verifies that thedigital image is correctly displaying the specific condition (C) on themoveable object (1). The input data at this point may comprise travelhistory data of the moveable object, including odometer readings andother specific travel history reporting or conditions.

After the requested information is input to the data processor (6), thedata processor (6) assemblies a data record comprising the current dateand time the final input was received, the received uniqueidentification code (ID) from the electronic identification device (2),the digital image from the camera including the verified representationof at least one condition (C) of the moveable object (1), and any datareceived from the input device. The data record is then temporarilystored in a memory location, preferably in a free memory register of thedata processor (6) or in a file in the local database (5) for subsequenttransmission by a data transmitter/receiver (9) via an externalcommunication link to a remote central processor (10) having remotecentral storage device (11).

The data verification station (3) additionally has a printer outputdevice (12) for outputting information specifically related to theunique identification code of the moveable object. The output device maycomprise of a receipt, coupon or advertisement printing device havinginformation specific to the owner or operator of the moveable object asdetermined by the unique identification code. Additional hardware at thedata verification station (3) may also include a credit card or magneticstrip card-reader for inputting financial institution data of an owneror operator of a moveable object, a barcode scanner for inputtinginformation from barcode systems, and a product or cash equivalentdispenser.

FIG. 2 illustrates additional system components of the present inventionin communication with the remote central processor (10) that receive andtransmit information based on the remote central processor (10)processing at least one of a plurality of transmitted data recordsrelated to specific unique identification codes (ID).

A printer service (20) in communication with the remote centralprocessor (10) receives information from the remote central processor(10) related to a unique identification code. The information maycontain specifications for a printing graphical representation for useon a moveable object subject to the previously mentioned accounting of acondition (C) on the moveable object (1). Additionally, the receivedinformation may contain owner or operator information and retail serviceinformation related to the printed material information. This allows theprinter service (20) to ship (21) the ordered graphical representationto a specific retail service location with installation informationabout a specific owner or operator of a moveable object that will havethe graphical representation installed thereon by personnel at theretail service location. The communication of the information receivedat the printing service is based on processing received information atthe remote central processor (10) related to a unique identificationcode (ID), wherein the received information may be information regardingthe assembled and stored data record transmitted by the dataverification station (3).

A retail service location (30), having the data verification station (3)located thereon, in communication with the remote central processor (10)receives information from the remote central processor (10) related to aunique identification code. The information may contain instructions forprinted graphical representation and an electronic identification device(2) installation on specific moveable objects (1) and related work orderand payment information. This information allows the retail servicelocation (30) to schedule installations on moveable objects (1) and keeprecords for payments due. Additionally, the retail service location (30)may input data related to printed graphical representation andelectronic identification device installations on specific moveableobjects via the data verification station (3) located therein forcommunication to the remote central processor (10). This data maycomprise, notification of finished installations for approval of paymentand the like. The communication of the information received at theretail service location (30) is based on processing received informationat the remote central processor (10) related to a unique identificationcode (ID), wherein the received information may be information regardingthe assembled and stored data record transmitted by the dataverification station (3).

A payment issuing agent (40) in communication with the remote centralprocessor (10) receives payment information from the remote centralprocessor (10) related to a unique identification code. The paymentinformation may comprise instructions for payment type, (e.g.,electronic funds transfer, credit card, check, retail cash ormerchandise vouchers, and the like), payment amount, payeeidentification and address, or associated purchase/work orderinformation. The payment agent then issues the appropriate payment tothe specified entity for compensation for services performed, in thecase of the owner or operator of the moveable objects (41) with acontractual obligation to display a graphical representation oradvertisement on their moveable object, and in the case of the retailservice location (42) for installation of the above mentioned products,or compensation for product ordered in the case of the printer service(43). The communication of the information received at the paymentissuing agent (40) is based on processing received information at theremote central processor (10) related to a unique identification code(ID), wherein the received information may be information regarding theassembled and stored data record transmitted by the data verificationstation (3).

An owner or operator (50) of a specific moveable object (1) is incommunication with the remote central processor (10) and receivesinformation from the remote central processor (10) related to his uniqueidentification code (ID) associated with his moveable object (1) or aspecific condition (C) thereof. The communication may comprise ofvarious types of well known communication methods and electronic media,e.g., mail, electronic mail (e-mail), telephone notification, instantmessaging, pager, web-browser interface, etc. This communication withthe remote central processor (10) informs the owner operator (50) of anyrelevant information with respect to his unique identification code orany condition (C) related to his moveable object within theaccountability system. The communication of the information received bythe owner or operator (40) is based on processing received informationat the remote central processor (10) related to his uniqueidentification code (ID), wherein the received information may beinformation regarding his assembled and stored data record transmittedby the data verification station (3).

A client (60) subscribing to the accountability system is incommunication with the remote central processor (10) and receivesinformation from the remote central processor (10) related to uniqueidentification codes (ID) associated with certain moveable objects (1)and a specific condition (C) thereof. The client ultimately compensatesowners or operators of moveable objects when a certain client prescribedcondition on the owners' or operators' moveable objects is verified withthe present invention's accountability system. The communication betweenthe client (60) and the remote central processor (10) may take the formof requests by the client to create or modify a class of specificconditions on a number of moveable objects within the accountabilitysystem. Additionally, the remote central processor (10) can transmit tothe client accumulated accountability reports processed from theassembled and stored data records transmitted by the data verificationstation (3) related to any specific or all unique identification codesthe client may have contracted for. These accumulated accountabilityreports may include all the data from the assembled and stored recordsor may present only certain filtered data from the totality of data.

In the second embodiment, described below, a data logged or real timetransmitted location coordinate with date and time data is stored withrespect to unique identification codes. The location coordinate withdate and time data may then be presented to the client (60) in ageographic map overlay presentation potentially showing every timeidentified route of every unique identification code the client hascontracted for any client specific condition. The communication of theinformation reports received by the client (60) is based on processingreceived information at the remote central processor (10) related to theclient's contracted unique identification codes (ID), and the receivedinformation regarding the assembled and stored data record transmittedby the data verification station (3).

A retail sales location (70) in communication with the remote centralprocessor (10) receives information from the remote central processor(10) related to the solicitation of owner or operators of moveableobjects to enroll their moveable objects in the accountability system ofthe present invention. Information related to the solicitation of owneror operators of moveable objects may comprise promotional advertisinginformation, rebates or coupons toward the purchase of merchandise, andother incentive information.

A point of sale terminal (80) in communication with the remote centralprocessor (10) receives information from and transmits information tothe remote central processor (10) related to the solicitation of owneror operators of moveable objects to enroll their moveable objects in theaccountability system of the present invention. Information related tothe solicitation of owner or operators of moveable objects may comprisepromotional advertising information, direct merchandise rebates at thepoint of sale, and other incentive information. The point of saleterminal is also able to transmit accountability system enrollmentinformation of owners or operators of moveable objects to the remotecentral processor (10).

The second embodiment of the invention generally deals with a moveableobject having a data logging or data transmission device with anelectronic identification device that communicates a uniqueidentification code and any logged data to a data collectingverification device which collects additional information about themoveable object and a condition of the moveable object for transmissionto a remote database and data processing system.

The second general embodiment of this invention modifies the electronicidentification device (2) of FIGS. 1-2, with a internally powered datalogging feature able to record location, date and time data on a periodinterval when the electronic identification data logging device hasdetected itself to be in motion via a motion detector (90). In thissecond embodiment, see FIG. 4, the electronic identification and datalogging device (91) comprises a central processing unit (92) thatassembles a data record on a periodic interval comprising the uniqueidentification code (ID) generated by the electronic identificationdevice (93), date and time data generated by a data and time signalgenerator or a data and time signal receiver (94), and locationidentification data generated from a location coordinate device (95)that determines a geographic coordinate location. This locationidentification data can be generated by location devices such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) device, a cellular telephone locationsystem device or an accelerometer or inertial positioning device. Acombination of these listed devices would provide redundant operationshould one device fail to generate a location signal, e.g., being ableto provide a location coordinate based on the inertial positioningdevice calculating a current location position off of the last GPScoordinate if the GPS device travels into an area where satellitereception is lost and its output is prevented. Again, the uniqueidentification code may be a transmitting and receiving radio frequencyidentification device (RFID) as the first general embodiment. Once thedata record is assembled by the central processing unit (92), it isstored in a memory (96) in the identification data logging device andsubsequently transmitted via a transmitter/receiver to a dataverification and collection station, in similar manner to the dataverification station (3) of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4 shows a procedural flowchart of a method for collecting data onthe location position of a moveable object electronic identification anddata logging device, the data logging device having a unique identifieraddress code (100), a location identification output device (101), and adate and time signal output generator (102).

The method comprising the steps of determining movement of the datalogging device (103); powering on the data logging device from a datalogging power standby mode (104) if in the power standby mode based onthe step of determining movement of the data logging device (105);retrieving the unique identifier address datum, a position datum fromthe location identification device, and current date and time data fromthe date and clock signal generator (106); storing date and time data(107) in a date and clock memory register (108); assembling the uniqueidentifier address datum, a position datum from the locationidentification device, and current date and time data from the date andclock signal generator into data record (109) from the step ofretrieving; storing (110) the data record in a memory (111) in the datalogging device; determining (112) when the data and clock signal outputequals the sum of a first specified period of time and the stored dateand time data in the data and clock memory register, (wherein the firstspecified period of time is the data sampling rate); determiningmovement of the data logging device within a second specified period oftime (103), (wherein the second specified period of time is the motiondetector gate time, e.g., 30 seconds); repeating the steps designated byreference numbers (103) to (112) when determining movement of the datalogging device within a second specified period of time (103) determinesmovement within the second specified period of time, i.e., the motiondetector gate time; repeating the steps designated by reference numbers(103) to (112) when determining movement of the data logging devicewithin a second specified period of time (103) determines no movementwithin the second specified period of time and when date/clock output(108) is less than the sum of a third specified period of time and thestored clock register data, (wherein the third specified period of timeis the power to standby time—when no motion is detected the unit willpower to standby mode; location output data collected in this loopshould all be identical); powering down the data logging device (113) tostandby power when determining movement of the data logging devicewithin a second specified period of time (103) determines no movementwithin the second specified period of time and when date/clock output isequal to or greater than the sum of a third specified period of time andthe stored clock register data.

In the second embodiment of the invention, the data verification station(3) of FIGS. 1-2 which received the unique identification code in thefirst embodiment, is now only functionally modified as shown in FIG. 3(as reference number 97 indicates) to include the capacity for datacollection of the assembled data from the electronic identification anddata logging device (91) in addition to the unique identification code(ID). The assembled data temporarily stored in the memory (96) on theelectronic identification and data logging device (91), as describedimmediately above, is now transmitted to the data verification andcollection station (97) in a manner similar to the unique identificationcode of the first embodiment. The data verification and collectionstation (97) verifies, complies, stores and transmits to the remotecentral storage device (98) of the remote central processor (99), theassembled and transmitted data in addition to the same data andverification information and in the same manner as described in thefirst embodiment.

An alternative system of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 of themoveable object accountability system adds to the data logging featureof the electronic identification and data logging device (91) areal-time data transmission function. In this embodiment, the assembleddata of the moveable object comprising the unique identifier code,location data, and date and time data (represented by ref. no. 120) istransmitted in real-time via a wireless transmission communicationsystem (121) to the remote central storage device (122) of the remotecentral processor (123). The accountability verification system andprocedure at the data verification station (3) of the first embodimentof this invention as shown in FIGS. 1-2 is identical to currentalternative system of the second embodiment. However, the datatransmitted (120) in real-time to the remote storage device (122) of theremote central processor (123) is correlated by the remote centralprocessor (123) for subsequent processing based on matchingidentification codes (ID) with the data transmitted from the dataverification system (3) of FIGS. 1-2 once that data is transmitted tothe remote central processor (123).

An additional embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 6 andallows for verification of a mobile object 1 in the accountabilitysystem with a hand-held data collection device 200 fashioned into astandard portable cellular camera telephone or camera equipped personaldigital assistant (PDA). This hand-held data collection device 200 hasan electronic signal transmission and reception capacity for initiatingcommunication with a remote electronic identification device 2 on themovable object 1 and receives a signal containing information of aunique identification code from the remote electronic identificationdevice on the movable object 1. A camera for capturing a digital imageof the movable object is also in integral with the hand-held datacollection device 200. The camera allows the collection of a digitalimage D including the representation of distinctive characteristics,licensing indicators, and a graphical representation C on the movableobject 1. A display device 202 such as a LCD screen may displayinformation contained in the image captured from the camera andalphanumeric text related to the unique identification code of themobile object. An input device 204 that may comprise of a keypad withnumeric or alphanumeric characters allows the user to input data relatedto the movable object or responses to information displayed on thedisplay.

The data collection device also contains a communication device forcommunicating the graphic image and user input data via a telephone orwireless network N to a remote database 11 at a remote data collectionstation 10. This communication device may comprise a wireless telephonecommunication device or any other type of wireless communication deviceor protocol. The remote database contains stored information related tothe unique identification code of the movable object and may transmitthe stored information in an e-mail or text message format or maygenerate a telephone call to the hand-held data collection device forverification purposes and prompt a user to respond to and confirm thequery received from the remote database. A user may respond by pressingnumeric or alphanumeric keys on the hand-held data collection device,may issue a voice response into a microphone on the hand-held datacollection device, or may swipe a magnetic identification card on amagnetic card reader located on the hand-held data collection device.This verification data is then sent to the remote data collectionstation.

A user may respond to a query for a unique identification code a signedto the user and by the movable object accountability system that istransmitted by a remote station in the accountability system to thehand-held data collection device. In this situation, the electronicsignal transmission and reception device on the hand-held datacollection device and the electronic identification device on themovable object may be replaced by a user issued unique identificationcode or personal identification number (PIN).

A hand-held data collection device contains a processor coupled to theelectronic signal transmission and reception device, the camera, thedisplay device and the input device. A programmable memory may store atleast one at a record compiled by the processor from informationreceived from the electronic signal transmission and reception device,the camera and the input device.

Electronic signal transmission and reception device may further comprisean RFID reader, or a communication device using a wireless communicationprotocol, such as a short range protocol as a Bluetooth or wireless USBprotocol, or a medium-range protocol such as an 802.11 typecommunication protocol.

The present embodiment of the invention further includes a method ofcollecting accountability data for a movable object, wherein the methodof collecting with a hand-held data collection device comprises thesteps of determining the presence of an electronic identification devicevia wireless communication, outputting a unique identification code fromthe electronic identification device, receiving the output uniqueidentification code and receiving from a remote database informationwith respect to the output, unique identification code.

The hand-held data collection device compares the received uniqueidentification code with information related to the received uniqueidentification code from the remote database for verification purposes.A digital image is captured of a movable object including arepresentation of at least one condition, wherein the at least onecondition comprises one of a visible indication of distinguishingcharacteristics of the movable object, a visible licensing indicator ofthe movable object, and a graphical representation on the movableobject. The image is displayed at a display device from the step ofcapturing.

The hand-held data collection device may then receive input from a userat an input device based on the step of displaying the digital imagecaptured by the camera. The hand-held data collection device thenassembles a data record comprising information contained in the uniqueidentification code, the captured digital image of the movable objectincluding the representation of at least one condition, and the receivedinput, based on the step of comparing. The assembled data record is thentransmitted to a remote database.

An additional embodiment of the present invention builds on the conceptof an electronic geographical positioning device located on the movableobject and connected to the electronic identification device having theunique identification code. Electronic geographical positioning device,is well-known in the art, generates court meant location data withrespect to the location of the movable object at all times. Ageographical positioning data collection system retrieves the courtmeant location data generated by the electronic geographical positioningdevice and identifies the retrieved coordinate location data withrespect to the movable object. This may be accomplished with uniqueidentification code.

A remote data processing system receives the retrieved identify cornedlocation data from the geographical positioning data collection systemand processes the data to generate a geographic travel routes andidentifies travel patterns over specific periods of time for the movableobject based on the identified court meant location data. A monitoringdevice system periodically identifies the presence of a condition of themovable object, as previously disclosed above. The remote dataprocessing system processes data from a plurality of movable objectseach having an electronic geographical positioning device thereon, or inthe data collection system retrieves the court meant location datagenerated by each electronic geographical positioning device andidentifies coordinate location data with respect to each mobile object.The remote data processing system generates geographic travel routesidentifies travel patterns over specific periods of time for each of themovable objects based on the identified coordinate location data.

The remote data processing system further categorizes each of themovable objects based on the identified geographic travel routes andtravel patterns, and assigns a prioritized value to each movable objectbased on the categorization of travel routes and patterns. Additionally,a profile description may be assigned to each movable object based onthe general categorization of the travel routes and patterns.

The electronic geographical positioning device located in the movableobjects may be a GPS device, a cellular telephone capable of generatingcoordinate location data, or a wireless communication device that tryingyour legs geographic coordinates with a new wireless communicationnetwork.

The geographical data collection system may include a geographicposition data retrieval system that collects previously loggedgeographical positioning data from the movable object having thegeographical positioning device, or the system may collect real-timegeographic position data from the movable object via a wirelesscommunications network.

Additionally, the remote data processing system may further identify atravel route of the movable object by processing specific coordinatelocation data and selected geodemographic data based on the identifiedtravel route. The system may then generate a geodemographic databasebased on the selected geodemographic data.

An additional embodiment of the present invention a subscriberinformation and account management system incorporated into the movableobject accountability system. The subscriber information and accountmanagement system includes a subscriber identification device thatidentifies a subscriber to the subscriber information and accountmanagement system and identifies a subscriber to the movable objectaccountability system. The subscriber identification device alsoidentifies a subscriber account managed by the subscriber informationand account management system and identifies the subscriber and thesubscriber account to a vendor providing goods or services duringtransactions of goods or services.

A subscriber information and account management processor receivescommunication from the movable object accountability system on thestatus of the condition of the movable object, and receives transactiondata associated with the subscriber when the subscriber identificationdevice is presented for transactions to a vendor providing goods orservices. The subscriber information and account management processoralso generates subscriber specific data reports comprising dataassociated with the subscriber.

The subscriber information and account database communicates with theremote subscriber information and account management processor forstoring and retrieving all communication received from the movableobject accountability system associated with the subscriber, and forstoring and retrieving all debt associated with the subscriberidentification device when presented for commercial transactions.

The movable object accountability system further monitors andcommunicates geographic location or travel route information of themovable object, and the remote subscriber information and accountmanagement processor further receives communication from the movableobject accountability system on the geographic location or travel routesof the movable object.

The subscriber identification device may be a unique electronicallyreadable identification code specific to a subscriber, unique printed oroptically readable image specific to a subscriber and readable by anelectronic reader, or magnetic card with information specific to asubscriber.

The subscriber identification device may be a subscriber identifiedvendor or marketing group transaction loyalty card, wherein value forthe purchase of goods or services is associated with the subscriberaccount.

The subscriber identification device may comprise of a subscriberidentified financial transaction card, or value for the purchase ofgoods or services or financial credit line for the purchase of goods andservices is associated with the subscriber account.

Additionally, the remote subscriber information and account managementprocessor may issue a credit value to the subscriber account based onthe status of the monitored condition of the user's movable objectreceived from the movable object accountability system.

The subscriber identification device may further identify the subscriberat a location and at a specific time. The remote subscriber informationand account management processor may receive location and time dataassociated with the subscriber when the subscriber identification deviceis * presented at a location capable of identifying the subscriberidentification device and communicating data of such identification andsaid time of presentation to the remote subscriber information accountmanagement processor. The subscriber information and account databasefurther stores and retrieves all data associated with the subscriberwhen the subscriber identification device is presented at a specificlocation and time.

A method of collecting subscriber data by subscriber information andaccount management system with in a movable object accountability systemconsists of the steps of providing a subscriber with the subscriberidentification device, or in the subscriber identification deviceidentifies the subscriber to the subscriber information and accountmanagement system, and identifies a subscriber account-associated withthe subscriber and managed by the subscriber information accountmanagement system. The method of collecting subscriber data furthercomprises the step of receiving communication at the subscriberinformation and account management system from the movable objectaccountability system on the status of the condition of the movableobject associated with the subscriber. Additionally, the systemidentifies the subscriber count by the subscriber identification deviceand receives identification data associated with the subscriberidentification device from the step of identifying the subscriber countat the subscriber information and account management system.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention areillustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in size, shapeand materials as well as in the details of the illustrated constructionmay be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

1. A handheld data collection device comprising: an electronic signaltransmission and reception device for initiating communication with aremote electronic identification device and for receiving a signalcontaining information of a unique identification code from said remoteelectronic identification device mounted on a movable object; a camerafor capturing an image of said movable object, wherein said imageincludes a representation of said at least one condition of said movableobject, said at least one condition comprising one of a visibleindication of distinguishing characteristics of said movable object, avisible licensing indicator of such movable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on said movable object; a display device for displayinginformation contained in said image; an input device for inputting datarelated to said movable object or a response to information displayed atsaid display device; and a communication device for communicating with aremote database having stored information related to said uniqueidentification code, said movable object and information of at least onecondition of said movable object, and in communication with a remotestorage device for transmitting at least one data record.
 2. Thehandheld data collection device of claim 1, further comprising: aprocessor coupled to said electronic signal transmission and receptiondevice, said camera, said display device and said input device.
 3. Thehandheld data collection device of claim 2, further comprising: aprogrammable memory for storing said at least one data record compiledby said processor from information received from said electronic signaltransmission and reception device, said camera, and said input device.4. The handheld data collection device of claim 1, wherein saidelectronic signal transmission and reception device further comprises anRFID reader.
 5. The handheld data collection device of claim 1, whereinsaid electronic signal transmission and reception device furthercomprises a communication device using a wireless communicationprotocol.
 6. The handheld data collection device of claim 5, whereinsaid wireless communication protocol further comprises a short-rangewireless communication protocol, for example, a Bluetooth or wirelessUSB communication protocol.
 7. The handheld data collection device ofclaim 5, wherein said wireless communication protocol further comprisesa medium-range wireless communication protocol, for example, an 802.11type communication protocol.
 8. The handheld data collection device ofclaim 1, wherein said input device further comprises a keypad havingnumeric or alphanumeric characters.
 9. The handheld data collectiondevice of claim 1, wherein said display device further comprises adisplay screen capable of displaying both graphical images andalphanumeric text.
 10. The handheld data collection device of claim 1,wherein said communication device further comprises a wireless telephonecommunication device.
 11. The handheld data collection device of claim1, wherein said device is housed in a portable cellular telephoneassembly.
 12. The handheld data collection device of claim 1, whereinsaid display device displays information including or related to saidunique identification code.
 13. The handheld data collection device ofclaim 12, wherein said information comprises a query that prompts a userto input a response on said data collection device.
 14. The handhelddata collection device of claim 13, wherein said response is selectedfrom at least one of the group consisting of: a voice response, whereinsaid input device comprises a microphone; a keyed response, wherein saidinput device comprises a keypad; and information from a magneticidentification card, wherein said input device comprises a magnetic cardreader.
 15. A method of collecting accountability data for a movableobject, said method of collecting comprising the steps of: determiningthe presence of an electronic identification device via wirelesscommunication; outputting a unique identification code from saidelectronic identification device; receiving said output uniqueidentification code; receiving from a remote database information withrespect to said output unique identification code; comparing saidreceived unique identification code with information related to saidreceived unique identification code from said remote database; capturinga digital image of a movable object including a representation of atleast one condition, wherein said at least one condition comprises oneof a visible indication of distinguishing characteristics of saidmovable object, a visible licensing indicator of said movable object,and a graphical representation on said movable object; displaying at adisplay device said representation of said at least one condition ofsaid movable object from said step of capturing; receiving input at aninput device based on said step of displaying; assembling a data recordcomprising information contained in said unique identification code,said captured digital image of said movable object including saidrepresentation of at least one condition, and said received input, basedon said step of comparing; and transmitting said assembled data recordto a second remote database.
 16. The method of collecting accountabilitydata for a movable object of claim 15, wherein said wirelesscommunication includes one from the group consisting of: RFIDcommunication; a short range wireless communication protocol, forexample, a Bluetooth or wireless USB protocol; and a medium rangewireless communication protocol, for example, an 802.11 type protocol.17. The method of collecting accountability data for a movable object ofclaim 15, wherein said step of displaying at a display device furthercomprises displaying a verification query based on said step ofcomparing.
 18. The method of collecting accountability data for amovable object of claim 17, further including at least one of the stepsfrom the group consisting of: responding to said verification query by avoice response, wherein said input device comprises a microphone;responding said verification query by keyed or typed response, whereinsaid input device comprises a keypad; and responding said verificationquery by providing information from a magnetic identification card,wherein said input device comprises a magnetic card reader.
 19. Themethod of collecting accountability data for a movable object of claim15, wherein said first remote database and said second remote databaseare the same remote database.
 20. A movable object accountability systemfor monitoring the status of at least one condition of a movable object,wherein said at least one condition comprises one of a visibleindication of distinguishing characteristics of said movable object, avisible licensing indicator of said movable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on said movable object, said movable objectaccountability system comprising: an electronic identification devicemounted on said movable object, wherein said electronic identificationdevice has a unique identification code and said electronicidentification device electronically transmits a signal containinginformation of said unique identification code; a wireless electronicsignal transmission and reception device for initiating communicationwith said electronic identification device and receiving said signalcontaining information of said unique identification code from saidelectronic identification device mounted on said movable object; acamera for capturing an image of said movable object, wherein said imageincludes a representation of said at least one condition of said movableobject, said at least one condition comprising one of a visibleindication of distinguishing characteristics of said movable object, avisible licensing indicator of such movable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on said movable object; a display device for displayinginformation contained in said image; an input device for inputting datarelated to said movable object or a response to information displayed atsaid display device; a processor coupled to said electronic signaltransmission and reception device, said camera, said display device andsaid input device; a programmable memory for storing a data recordcompiled by said data processor from information received from saidelectronic signal transmission and reception device, said camera, andsaid input device; and a communication device for communicating with aremote database having stored information related to said uniqueidentification code, said movable object and information of at least onecondition of said movable object, and for communicating said stored datarecord to a remote storage device.
 21. The movable object accountabilitysystem of claim 20, wherein said electronic signal transmission andreception device further comprises an RFID reader.
 22. The movableobject accountability system of claim 20, wherein said wirelesscommunication further comprises a short-range wireless communicationprotocol, for example, a Bluetooth or wireless USB communicationprotocol.
 23. The movable object accountability system of claim 20,wherein said wireless communication further comprises a medium-rangewireless communication protocol, for example, an 802.11 typecommunication protocol.
 24. The movable object accountability system ofclaim 20, wherein said input device further comprises a keypad havingnumeric or alphanumeric numbers.
 25. The movable object accountabilitysystem of claim 20, wherein said display device further comprises adisplay screen capable of displaying both graphical images andalphanumeric text.
 26. The movable object accountability system of claim20, wherein said communication device further comprises a wirelesstelephone communication device.
 27. The movable object accountabilitysystem of claim 20, wherein said electronic signal transmission andreception device, said camera, said display device, said input device,said processor, said programmable memory and said communication deviceis housed in a portable cellular telephone assembly.
 28. The movableobject accountability system of claim 20, wherein said display devicedisplays information including or related to said unique identificationcode.
 29. The movable object accountability system of claim 28, whereinsaid information comprises a query that prompts a user to input aresponse on said data collection device.
 30. The movable objectaccountability system of claim 29, wherein said response is selectedfrom at least one of the group consisting of: a voice response, whereinsaid input device comprises a microphone; a keyed response, wherein saidinput device comprises a keypad; and information from a magneticidentification card, wherein said input device comprises a magnetic cardreader.
 31. A method for using a portable handheld camera equippedtelephone device in a movable object accountability system formonitoring the status of at least one condition of a movable object,wherein said portable handheld camera equipped telephone device includesa graphical display and an alphanumeric input device, said methodcomprising the steps of: capturing an image of said movable object withsaid camera equipped telephone device, wherein said image includes arepresentation of at least one condition of said movable object, whereinsaid at least one condition comprises one of a visible indication ofdistinguishing characteristics of said movable object, a visiblelicensing indicator of said movable object, and a graphicalrepresentation on said movable object; and communicating said image ofsaid movable object to a remote database in said movable objectaccountability system.
 32. The method for using a portable handheldcamera equipped telephone device in a movable object accountabilitysystem of claim 31, further including the steps of: receiving a queryfrom said movable object accountability system on said camera equippedtelephone device; and responding to said query from said movable objectaccountability system by means of said camera equipped telephone device.33. The method for using a portable handheld camera equipped telephonedevice in a movable object accountability system of claim 32, whereinsaid step of receiving a query further comprises one step from the groupof: receiving a phone call on said camera equipped telephone deviceregarding authentication or verification information related to saidimage; receiving a text message on said camera equipped telephone deviceregarding authentication or verification information related to saidimage; or receiving an e-mail message on said camera equipped telephonedevice regarding authentication or verification information related tosaid image.
 34. The method for using a portable handheld camera equippedtelephone device in a movable object accountability system as claimed inclaim 32, wherein said step of responding to said query from saidmovable object accountability system further comprises at least one stepfrom the group consisting of: responding to said query by receiving avoice response to an automated telephone response system via said cameraequipped telephone device; and responding to, said query by inputtingalphanumeric characters on an input device on said handheld cameraequipped telephone device.
 35. The method for using a portable handheldcamera equipped telephone device in a movable object accountabilitysystem as claimed in claim 31, wherein said portable handheld cameraequipped telephone device comprises one from the group of: a cameraequipped cellular telephone; or a telephone and camera equipped personaldigital assistant (PDA).
 36. The method for using a portable handheldcamera equipped telephone device in a movable object accountabilitysystem of claim 32, wherein said query requests authentication orverification information in the form of a unique identification codeassigned by said movable object accountability system.
 37. A method foruse in a portable handheld camera equipped telephone device in a movableobject accountability system of claim 36, further comprising at leastone step of the group consisting of: responding by a voice response toan input device comprising a microphone; responding with keyed inputresponse to an input device comprising a keypad; and responding withinformation from a magnetic identification card to an input devicecomprising a magnetic card reader.